An Post services due to resume in Blueball shop after stoppage

An Post services are to resume at Tom Doolan’s Spar in Blueball, Deputy Tony McCormack has said.

The services at the local retailer ceased without prior notice on December 29, causing inconvenience and distress to many locals, including elderly residents in the area.

Deputy McCormack welcomed what he said were positive developments following a meeting between local shop owner Tom Doolan and An Post this morning (Thursday).

Tony McCormack said he and Cllr Ollie Bryant had been engaging with An Post on this issue over the past week and were relieved to see the matter now coming to a positive conclusion.

It is understood that An Post services are to resume in near future.

“This is very welcome news for the local community,” Deputy McCormack said. “I want to commend Tom Doolan for his persistence and thank An Post for their engagement, as well as Cllr Ollie Bryant for his work on this issue.”

The cessation of the An Post service in Blueball meant many residents, including elderly and vulnerable people, were forced to travel into Tullamore to collect their payments.

McCormack had strongly criticised the situation, describing it as unacceptable, particularly at this time of year.

"This is a terrible situation, and for it to happen without warning and at this time of year is hugely inconvenient," Deputy McCormack said.

"The service that Tom has provided to the community for many years must continue. I have been in contact with An Post, who have confirmed that the issue arose due to the switchover from the old DSL system to the newer fibre network, which is incompatible with existing An Post equipment.

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Oliver Bryant also expressed serious concern and called for immediate action at ministerial level.

"The post office in Tullamore is already overflowing, with people queuing out the door.

“It is completely unreasonable to expect even more people to travel there due to the loss of a long-standing local service."